The dialogue took place at a critical moment for Europe. As the European Union enters negotiations on its next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and prepares the future Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, decisions taken over the coming months will shape Europe's ability to maintain technological leadership, industrial competitiveness and strategic autonomy in hydrogen and clean technology value chains for the next decade.
The dialogue aligns closely with Ireland's Presidency priorities on competitiveness, energy security and clean industrial development, while contributing to the broader European debate on the future of research and innovation partnerships and their role in accelerating the deployment of strategic net-zero technologies.
“Ireland’s EU Presidency comes at a crucial moment for Europe’s energy transition” said Minister Timmy Dooley, Ireland’s Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment. “This dialogue provides an opportunity to strengthen exchanges between government, industry and research on how hydrogen can contribute to competitiveness, innovation and energy security in Ireland and across the EU. A key focus of Ireland’s presidency will be on the EU Multiannual Financial Framework which will help ensure adequate member-state funding for the research, development and deployment of renewable energy infrastructure required to achieve our decarbonised goals across the EU”.
Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the EU from 1 July to 31 December 2026. The dialogue took place in the context of negotiations on the next EU budget, which agreement is expected in 2026 and will shape Europe’s capacity to invest in research, innovation and strategic clean technologies over the coming decade.
“Hydrogen is much more than an energy vector” added Luigi Crema, President of Hydrogen Europe Research. “It is a test of Europe's ability to transform scientific excellence into industrial leadership. To remain globally competitive, Europe must continue investing in research and innovation while accelerating the transition from laboratory breakthroughs to industrial deployment. This will require stronger coordination across the value chain and a long-term vision that connects technology development with market creation. Future European partnerships will be essential to align research, industry and public policy around a shared competitiveness agenda.”
Participants highlighted that Europe's hydrogen leadership cannot rely on individual projects alone. Achieving industrial scale will require stronger alignment between research organisations, industry, Member States and European institutions. A coordinated innovation ecosystem capable of supporting the entire journey from research to market deployment was identified as a key success factor for Europe's future competitiveness.
Discussions highlighted Ireland’s significant offshore wind resources and its potential to become a producer and net exporter of renewable hydrogen. Participants noted that the successful implementation of Ireland’s National Hydrogen Strategy will require continued investment in infrastructure, skills, innovation and market development.
Stakeholders stressed the need to accelerate the transition from pilot projects and demonstration activities towards commercial deployment. This includes creating clearer investment frameworks, strengthening industrial partnerships and supporting the development of strategic infrastructure required for a functioning European hydrogen market.
Image: From left to right: Paul McCormack, CEO and a founding board member of Hydrogen Ireland, Minister Timmy Dooley, Ireland’s Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment and Luigi Crema, President of Hydrogen Europe Research.
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